Trains from Essen to Brussels

Although there's no weight limit for your baggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.

Each bag must be clearly labeled and must be no longer than 33.4 inches (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches (for trains in Europe).

Are you traveling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard Class, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard bar car in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're traveling in Standard Premier, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat. Travel in Business Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.

For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as savory and sweet snacks.
In Premium class, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.

Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU power outlets at your seat so you can charge your devices while traveling.

• Kids of all ages need their passport to travel with Eurostar.
• Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, you can book them their own seat with a child ticket.
• If you're alone with kids, you can pre-book assistance so that a member of Eurostar staff can help you during your journey.
• Kids under 12 must travel with someone over 16, while those aged 12-15 can travel alone if they have an unaccompanied minor form (excluding direct trains to/from the Netherlands).
• 16 to 17-year-olds can travel alone if they meet all legal requirements.
• You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.

Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.

For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.

The rules around traveling with your pets depend on whether you're traveling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:

Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:

• Pets are not permitted on board.
• Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.

Trains in the rest of Europe:

• Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 13 lbs (6 kg) can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
• If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around $32), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
• Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.

If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.

If you're traveling on trains to/from the United Kingdom:

• Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
• If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Standard Premier or Business Premier - you'll only pay for a Standard Class ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.

If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:

• Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 27.5 inches long and 47.2 inches high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 59 inches in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any baggage must not exceed 661 lbs (300 kg).
• Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.

Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:

Liquids:

• There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey; large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're traveling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.

Sports equipment:

• You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 47.2 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches.
• You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 33.4 inches long.
• Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
• Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 3 inches long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
• You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.